Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift were crowned king and queen of the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) on Sunday night, scooping three top trophies apiece.

Swift kicked off proceedings by winning the first prize of the evening - her first ever EMA award - for Best Female, before picking up trophies for Best Live Act and Best Look at the prizegiving in Frankfurt, Germany.

It was Taylor Swift's first MTV EMA Award, but not her last, at the German ceremony

Justin Bieber also scored a hat trick after he was named Best Male, Best World Act and Best Pop.

Meanwhile, his protegee Carly Rae Jepsen received a double dose of awards success after being presented with the gongs for Best Song ('Call Me Maybe') and Best Push.

British/Irish stars One Direction were also triumphant, claiming Best New Act and Best Fans, but they had to accept their awards via videolink as they are currently promoting their second album in the US.

The boyband wasn't the only prizewinner noticeably absent at the event - Nicki Minaj (Best Hip Hop), Linkin Park (Best Rock) and David Guetta (Best Electronic) were also unable to attend in person.

A complete list of winners below

Rita Ora opened the show with a stunning rendition of her hit R.I.P., followed by sets from fun. and Carly Rae Jepsen. Other performers included Alicia Keys, The Killers, Muse and Pitbull.

However, the star of the night was South Korean pop sensation Psy, who appeared in several sketches backstage before stepping into the limelight to show off his now-iconic dance moves to his mega hit 'Gangnam Style'.

Keys later returned to the stage to accept the Global Icon Award on behalf of late superstar Whitney Houston's family.

'The Fallin' hitmaker, who penned Houston's last ever single 'Million Dollar Bill', introduced a video montage filled with tributes to the tragic singer, who died in February, featuring kind words from Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Steven Tyler and One Direction.

Late Beastie Boys star Adam Yauch was also remembered on the night. He passed away following a cancer battle in May.

German supermodel Heidi Klum hosted the circus-themed show, and thrilled the crowd by changing into eight different outfits, including a traditional Bavarian dress in a nod to her homeland's heritage.